We Believe

We have provided an index to facilitate looking at a particular topic, however you can also scroll down the page to read the topics in order. If you want you may view and save a copy of our Doctrinal Statement in PDF format.

The Bible

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God and that it contains no errors. It is accurate in matters of doctrine, history and science. We look to the Bible as the only authority for what we should believe about God and how we should serve Him.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

The English translation of the Word of God that we use is the King James Bible. We love the KJV because of its accuracy and reliability. For nearly 400 years it has been preached, taught and loved by millions of believers and it is the only Bible that we use.

God

God is a Spirit, the Creator of all things. He is not one God among many, but He is the only True and Living God. God is a Trinity, meaning that He is one God existing in three eternal Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3)

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:” (Deuteronomy 6:4)

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5)

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7)

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19)

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)BACK TO TOP

Mankind

We believe that all human beings descend from Adam and Eve. Because of our common heritage, we renounce racism in all of its forms.

“And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” (Genesis 3:20)

“And (God) hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” (Acts 17:26)

We believe that man was created by God, sinless and perfect. We believe that sin entered into the world through Adam’s disobedience. Because of Adam’s Original sin and because of our own choice, all of us are sinners.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12)BACK TO TOP

Sin and Death

We believe that, in its simplest sense, sin is disobedience to God’s laws. Because we have all sinned in some way and because we are all born as sinners, according to the Bible, we deserve death. Death is the result of sin. Before sin entered into the world, the Bible teaches that there was no death, or suffering; no sickness, or pain. Death includes both physical and spiritual death. Unless the Lord returns, physical death will take place for all of us at some point. Spiritual death is already a reality in our lives if Jesus Christ is not our Savior. Spiritual death causes us to be separated from God and condemned to eternal hell without Him.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12)

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)BACK TO TOP

Heaven and Hell

We believe in a literal heaven for those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, and a literal hell with literal fire for those who refuse to believe in Him as the only Way to heaven.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)

“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:19-24)

“And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” (Mark 9:43-48)

“The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:41-43)BACK TO TOP

Salvation

If I possess salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, then I have been saved from the penalty of sin (eternity without God in hell), I am being saved from the practice of sin in my everyday life, and one day, I will be saved from the very presence of sin as I spend eternity with the Lord. Salvation guaranties me eternal life with God, and saves me from eternal death (separation from God forever in hell). Salvation is given to all who will believe in Jesus Christ as Lord (God) and Savior.

“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:29-31)

“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:26-29)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)BACK TO TOP

The Lord Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God and has always existed. About 2000 years ago, He came to earth and took on a human body. He became a man without ceasing to be God. He was born of a virgin and lived a sinless life in this world. He was rejected by the very people whom He had created and was crucified on a cross. On that cross, the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ suffered for the sins of all mankind. He suffered the penalty of sin for us (death, separation from God) and after His sufferings, He was buried for three days. After three days, the Lord Jesus Christ arose from the dead (we believe that this resurrection is literal and that He arose in His human body) and He ascended to the right hand of God the Father in heaven. One day, we believe that He will return again to judge the living and the dead.

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1)

“In the beginning was the Word*, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:1-5)
* “The Word” is another name for Jesus Christ.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:18-23)

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:14-15)

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

“So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19)

“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34)

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:1)

The Gift of Eternal Life

We believe that eternal life is a gift of God, and that men are saved only by the Lord Jesus Christ, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and not by the church, works, sacraments, water baptism, or moral reformation.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:29-31)BACK TO TOP

Assurance of Salvation

Any believer in Jesus Christ can be absolutely sure that he or she will go to heaven. Assurance comes to those who will take the words of Jesus at face value: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) If a man believes in Jesus as the only Way to heaven and believes that he will go to heaven, simply because he believes in Jesus Christ, then that man will have a strong, Bible-based assurance of salvation.

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13)

Security of the Believer

All believers in Jesus Christ are eternally saved and kept by the power of God. Eternal salvation is not a license to sin. It is a license to experience God’s unconditional love, to love Him in return and to serve Him with peace and joy.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.”(John 10:27-30)

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1 John 5:11-12)BACK TO TOP

The Return of Jesus Christ

We believe that at any moment, all believers in Jesus Christ will be taken away from the earth to meet the Lord in the air (the Rapture), and that the people left behind on the earth will go through seven years of tribulation. After these seven years have passed, the Lord will return with all believers to set up His kingdom on earth. During this “Kingdom Age” the Lord Jesus Christ will rule for 1,000 years upon the earth with the saints (all believers in the Bible are referred to as “saints” not just a select group). Following this 1,000 year kingdom will be the “Great White Throne of Judgment” of all the unbelieving, Christ-rejecting people who have ever lived. Following this judgment will be eternity.

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:24-26)

“And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:10-11)

“And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:1-15)

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:1-5)

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is God. The Bible teaches that He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ at conversion, and that He lives in every believer. Every believer is sealed by Him unto the day of redemption, and every believer should be filled with the Holy Ghost, so that he may have power to serve God.

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18)

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31)BACK TO TOP

The Church

We believe that Jesus Christ is the only Head of the Church, and that every Christian should be a member of, and faithfully attend, a local, independent, Bible-believing, church. We believe that every local church should have only two offices: pastor (also called the bishop) and deacon, and two ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s supper.

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” (Ephesians 5:23)

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” (1 Timothy 3:1)

“And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.” (1 Timothy 3:10)

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19)

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)BACK TO TOP

Baptism

Baptism is for believers only and is to be administered by immersion of the whole body in water and not by sprinkling or pouring.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)

“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:36-39)BACK TO TOP

Evangelism

It is the duty of the church to reach the world with the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every Christian should witness for the Lord and every church should endeavor to start other churches by sending out missionaries both in the United States and abroad.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)BACK TO TOP

Separation

We believe that every believer should strive to live a holy life and separate himself from sinful habits, thoughts and lifestyles. We believe that Bible-believing churches should separate from theological liberalism, Roman Catholicism and from the Charismatic-faith movement.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)

“For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:45)

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Romans 16:17-18)BACK TO TOP